The ODM party has been dealt a blow after a politician rejected its nomination to run for a seat in the upcoming by-election

In a plot twist to the November 27 by-election for the Kisa East ward, nominated candidate Isaiah Abraham Ayaya has written a letter to the ODM rejecting his nomination just hours after the party revoked the nomination of Thomas Oyolo .

On October 1 2025, the National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC), headed by Emily Awitta, revoked the nomination of Oyolo and gave the party ticket to Ayaya.

On their X handle they wrote,
“Our candidate for the Kisa East MCA seat in the November 27 by-election Abraham Isaiah Ayaya was today presented with the nomination certificate.”

There was local coverage and posts in social media where Ayaya was seen accepting the certificate.

Ayaya Declines the Nomination

In a letter dated October 2 2025, Ayaya officially declined the ODM nomination. He wrote a letter to the NECC and copied the Kakamega County chairperson, expressing how sorry he is and further claimed consultations had not been concluded so far.

He also disclosed that when ODM approached him, he had already sworn an oath to the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), where he is a registered life member.

“I hereby respectfully decline the nomination certificate issued to me …… and the same is hereby returned,” he wrote.

Growing Confusion in ODM

The twist of events has led to confusion in the ODM branch at Kakamega , with local supporters complaining of nauseating handling of the process.

Party officials have also been accused of favoritism and lack of transparency by aspirants in other ODM nominations for by-elections.

What Next for Kisa East?

ODM now has a dilemma of how to fill the vacancy of it’s candidate following the withdrawal of Ayaya.

This leaves the party With the option of either reinstating Oyolo , another aspirant or settle the issue internally.

The confusion is likely to fall in the hands of rival parties as the campaigns pick up pace leading to the November 27 poll.

A letter written to the chairperson of NECC Emily Awitta by Ayaya
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